May 20, 2012

Environmental Warriors

My sermon this Sunday is entitled “Environmental Warriors.”  I will reflect on the life and work of several people who have found creative ways to express their love for the natural world and their resolve to be part of the solution to mitigate the human impact on our environment. Some of the persons I will reflect on are Vandana Shiva, Wangari Maathai, and Paul Watson. Some of the persons I will speak about have done things that are controversial; others have taken actions that are barely noticed by the mainstream press but who have had a profound influence on people in the ecological movement. OCUUC’s own ‘environmental warrior’ Mike Scott will make a presentation. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we reflect on ways to express our common commitment to support the environmental movement.

May 13, 2012

The Legacy of Julia Ward Howe

May 13th – Mother’s Day the way Julia Ward Howe envisioned it.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I will be speaking this Sunday on the subject “The Legacy of Julia Ward Howe.”  I believe Julia Ward Howe is among the top 100 most important figures in American history.  In the second half of her life, she focused on the causes of pacifism and women’s suffrage.  In 1870 Howe was the first to proclaim Mother’s Day.  She was the founder and president of the Association of American Women, a group which advocated for women’s education, from 1876 to 1897. She also served as president of organizations like the New England Women’s Club, the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association, the New England Suffrage Association, and the American Woman Suffrage Association.  Sunday I will be exploring Julia Ward Howe’s life, her legacy and the special meaning she gave to “Mother’s Day” in her “Mother’s Day Proclamation.“   I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Sunday’s music will feature the Orange Coast Choir singing “Who Will Fight No More Forever,” with lyrics based on the surrender speech of Chief Joseph.

May 6, 2012

Diversity

On Sunday, May 6th we will have only one service at 11:00 am.  Join us again in the afternoon for our Spring Auction and annual Canvass Dinner.

Map to:

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
9812 Hamilton Avenue, Huntington Beach, 92646

Click on image for interactive map

April 29, 2012

Theology Ablaze

Join the Rev. Tom Owen-Towle on Sunday, April 29th for his sermon “Theology Ablaze.”  In the past 50 years, Unitarian Universalism has awakened spiritually and grown unashamedly theological. What does our liberating, life-affirming, loving faith have to offer today’s world?

The Rev. Dr. Tom Owen-Towle has just completed 44 years of settled ministry and is now giving sermons and conducting workshops across our District offering a seasoned perspective on the topics of progressive religion, partnership, gender justice, parenting, and citizenship in the global family.  He has written two dozen books, the latest being Theology Ablaze which will be theme of the service on April 29th at OCUUC. Tom and his life-partner Carolyn Sheets Owen-Towle are ministers emeritii of First UU Church of San Diego and the active parents of 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Tom is a guitar player, budding magician, and community volunteer. His books will be available for purchase between services and after second service.

From Rev. Ed:

I am delighted that Rev. Tom Owen-Towle will be with us to help lead the service and preach in Sunday’s service. With 44 plus years in Unitarian Universalist ministry and four decades of leadership in the men’s movement, Tom Owen-Towle brings a seasoned perspective to the topics of progressive religion, partnership, gender justice, parenting, and citizenship in the global family.

Tom Owen-Towle has been a parish minister since 1967 and is the author of two dozen books on various topics of personal growth, social compassion, and spiritual depth.

He has been partnered in marriage for 38 years to Carolyn Sheets Owen-Towle, and they are devoted parents of four and active grandparents of six. He is also a guitarist, a Little League coach, a budding magician and merry-maker, especially with seniors.

Owen-Towle is a national leader who continues to conduct workshops and retreats on the core themes of his books.

Rev. Dr. Tom Owen-Towle’s sermon is entitled “Theology Ablaze!” I will help lead Sunday’s service. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

April 22, 2012

The Power of Institutions to Change Our Lives

This month we have been focused on the theme of renewal and rebirth. We have explored the symbol of the labyrinth, resurrection and reincarnation. Each of these symbols have been honored by millions of people in a wide range of cultures as aways of understanding renewal , rebirth and transformation.

This Sunday we will explore how institutions can bring about the renewal of individuals and the rebirth of groups. In my sermon “The Power of Institutions to Change Our Lives” I will share several examples of how institutions can affect the moral and social conditions of our lives in positive ways. It is really possible for institutions, when they are based on life affirming principles, to facilitate the development of people’s lives in positive ways. I will explore this theme Sunday drawing from real case histories. We will also be honoring Earth Day this Sunday. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

This Sunday’s music will honor Earth Day. There will be several special numbers by small groups, plus the choir will sing from Missa Gaia (Earth Mass).

Also, there will be a Congregational Meeting at 12:30 pm.

April 15, 2012

Reincarnation for the Unitarian Universalist Soul

This Saturday, at 2 p.m., the Memorial Service of Lucy Waters will be held at the church. Lucy was a much beloved member of this congregation, and we are thankful for the opportunity to express our appreciation for her life and work in this service.

This Sunday we will continue our exploration of the theme of the month for April focused on rebirth, transformation, and renewal.  We have looked at the ancient symbol of the labyrinth – a symbol that spans Pagan and Christian traditions and thousands of years – and we have explored the symbol of resurrection which is rooted in a Christian perspective but has parallels in many different and diverse faith perspectives. This Sunday we will “look east” and explore the idea of reincarnation, which is one of the major Eastern symbols of rebirth and renewal, believed in by millions of people around the globe.  Rev. Ed will be leading the service and the sermon, entitled “Reincarnation for the Unitarian Universalist Soul,” will be given by Summer Albayati-Krikeche, a candidate for UU ministry.

The chalice that’s used at General Assembly is touring around the country, and this Sunday it will be at OCUUC!  Thanks to Katherine Martin who made the arrangements.

April 8, 2012

The Importance of the Symbol of Resurrection

This Sunday we will continue with our exploration of our theme of the month, which is transformation and renewal. This Sunday Rev. Ed will explore one of the most important symbols of transformation and renewal of our culture, the symbol of the resurrection as reflected in the story of Easter. Rev. Ed will bring a UU perspective to this ancient symbol of personal and social renewal.

Oboist Amelia Russo-Neustadt and her husband, pianist Aaron Neustadt will be providing springy and sprightly Baroque music this Sunday.

Home gardeners are invited to bring flower cuttings for this Sunday’s Easter service.  There are some vases at the church, or you can bring your own.  Please have flowers there by 9:30 (before 1st servcie) or 11:00 (before 2nd service).  After the service, a few volunteers will be taking the flowers to Members and Friends who can’t physically come to church very often.  (Please note, this is different from the Flower Communion ritual we sometimes do in the Spring.)  If you’d like to volunteer to bring flowers and/or deliver them, please let Beth Syverson know by email or call  (MusicDirectorocuucorg)    714-376-6666.

April 1, 2012

The Gifts of the Labyrinth

The theme for the month of April is renewal and rebirth.   We will explore this theme from a variety of perspectives. This Sunday we will look at this theme from the viewpoint of an ancient symbol, the labyrinth. The labyrinth has a long and fascinating history. There are labyrinth symbols on coins as early as 430 BC. Ancient labyrinths have appeared as designs on pottery or basketry, as body art, and etched on walls of caves. The Romans built decorative labyrinth designs on walls and floors in tile or mosaic. Labyrinths have been used both in group ritual and for private meditation. This Sunday we will explore the ancient and modern meanings of the labyrinth as a symbol of renewal. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Music for Sunday:  Orange Coast Choir will sing a Gospel number “Sing Me Home,” plus the choir will present a very special “Time for All Ages” this week.  Beware the Minotaur!

REBIRTH & RENEWAL Sundays:

April 1 – Labyrinth
April 8 – Easter
April 15 – Reincarnation
April 22 – Earth Day
April 29 – Renewal with special Guest Minister Tom Owen-Towle

March 25, 2012

Sanctuary for all Life

Humanitarian activist and UU seminarian Emrys Staton will discuss the recent history of immigration activism along the border between the United States and Mexico, beginning with the Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s. Faith communities learned that ongoing human rights violations required faith communities to take bold steps to protect those affected by harmful policies and practices. With the ongoing unjust treatment of immigrants, UUs can take the initiative to make our communities safer and more welcoming for all.

Emrys Staton is a lifelong UU who grew up in Arizona. He has spent the past several years as a volunteer engaged in humanitarian work along the border between the United States and Mexico. His work has included placing water in the desert for migrants crossing the border, providing medical care to people deported back to Mexico, and traveling to Washington, DC to advocate for better standards of migrants kept in Border Patrol custody. He is now finishing his final semester of seminary school at Claremont School of Theology and is working part time for the Southern California UU Justice Team.

March 18, 2012

The War on Our Civil Liberties

This Sunday we will continue with this month’s theme of exploring social justice issues. The title of this Sunday’s sermon is “The War on Our Civil Liberties” and will focus how the Patriot Act and the 2012 Defense Authorization Act are adversely affecting our civil liberties. People in our society are unbelievably uninformed about the significance of these bills and the fact that over time they could change the nature of our society by leading us to become a society very different than what the founders of this nation envisioned. A special personal testimonial will be given by one of our own members, Cosme Noriega. In 1975 Cosme was arrested for working underground against the military rulers the U.S. had put into place in his country. He was subsequently held in secret and tortured before being released and coming to the U.S. in 1976 as a result of the actions of the Church Committee. Cosme knows what happens when individuals in society lose all their rights to be protected against the powers of the state. Join us for the exploration of this important subject. Everyone will be shown ways they can respond to the assault on our civil liberties. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Music for this Sunday will run the gamut from Woody Guthrie (whose centennial birthday we’re celebrating this year) to Melissa Etheridge plus a few surprises.

March 11, 2012

Homelessness All Around Us

This week we will continue with the exploration of our theme of the month: social justice. The focus of this week’s service is homelessness.  OCUUC has had its own experience of homelessness persons.  I remember how early one September morning, as I was making coffee in the church kitchen, I was startled to see two men sleeping on the patio outside the church sanctuary, with their worldly goods around them in bags. I was to discover that this was something that happened each night.  Though I have not seen anyone sleeping on the church property for several weeks, at least during the time I have been here, there has been a steady stream of homeless persons who have attempted to find sleep for the night on OCUUC property.  Several months ago I went to the Costa Mesa public library and observed that many of the patrons that day seemed to be homeless men looking for a safe harbor for the day.

In this area awash in million dollar homes, there is homelessness all around us if we have ‘eyes to see.’ I am told that Orange County has one of the largest homeless problems in the country. This Sunday we hope to explore this subject and look for ways to practice our values.  I am thrilled that I will be joined this Sunday by Paul Leon, President and CEO of the Illumination Foundation of Irvine. Paul will help me convey the message of the homeless among us and give witness as someone who is on the front lines daily providing solutions to this crisis and as someone who is at the forefront of addressing this issue in this part of California.  The Illumination Foundation has been, and is now, doing incredible work in this area of social justice. Please join me Sunday as we explore this issue and look for ways to, in the words of our UUA principles,  practice ‘justice, equity and compassion in human relations.’

Pop singer Denise Rosier will be our Guest Artist this Sunday.

March 4, 2012

The War on Human Dignity

Both the Unitarian and Universalist side of our religious movement have very long and strong traditions of social activism. This month we will honor that aspect of our tradition by dedicating each service in March to the theme of social justice.  Each Sunday will be dedicated to exploring a contemporary social justice issue from the perspective of our UU faith and tradition.  The individual service topics will be Human Trafficking (March 4), Homelessness (March 10), The Patriot Act Now (March 18) and Immigration Justice (March 25).  I am looking forward to this series.  This Sunday’s service, about Human Trafficking, is entitled “The War on Human Dignity.”

I look forward to seeing you Sunday – Rev. Ed

This Sunday’s music will include Orange Coast Choir singing Can You Hear?, a powerful anthem about children who are abused and hurting in the world. The piano pieces will be Schumann’s Kinderscenen (Scenes from Childhood).

_______________________________

The monthly theme for Sunday services in March is SOCIAL JUSTICE.

• March 4 – Human Trafficking
• March 11 – Homelessness
• March 18 – The Patriot Act Now
• March 25 – Immigration Justice

April’s theme will be RENEWAL.

February 26, 2012

Universalist Heritage- John Murray

This month we have examined Unitarian Universalists who have made a difference to their time and place. We have focussed on contemporary figures – in some cases, people who are not ‘famous’ but whose contributions to society provide inspiration to all of us. This Sunday, for our last service on inspirational Unitarian Universalists, we will reach back in time to look at an early figure in our Universalist heritage.

The focus of my sermon will be John Murray born in England on December 10, 1741. In 1770 he emigrated the our country to “lose himself in America.” He preached, as a Universalist minister, his first sermon in Good Luck, (now Lacey Township) , New Jersey.

In 1774 he settled at Gloucester, Massachusetts, and established a congregation there. There he met his second wife, the author Judith Sargent Murray. He was suspected of being a British spy, but in 1775 was appointed chaplain of the Rhode Island Brigade by General George Washington despite petitions for his dismissal by other chaplains over his rejection of belief in hell. On October 23, 1793, he became pastor of the Universalist society of Boston, and faithfully served it until October 19, 1809. He was a man of great courage and eloquence, and in the defense of his views endured much detestation and abuse. He is one of those remarkable persons who contributed to the diverse community of people we today call Unitarian Universalists.

I look forward to see you on Sunday.

We will delve into our Universalist heritage by learning about Rev. John Murray and Judith Sargent Murray.

John Murray and the Winds of Change

You never know what the wind will blow in or which way the wind blows. The wind can change directions and maybe change your life. It happened to John Murray. As a young man, John Murray had excellent fortune blow his way. He had a fine education, a steady job, a loving wife, and a young son. Life was good. Then, suddenly, everything changed. John Murray’s wife and their son became sick and died. John lost his job, lost all his money, and was put in jail because he could not pay his bills.

John was a very religious man, a Universalist, who had even preached about a loving God. Now, he was not so sure what he believed. He felt his life was over. Friends urged him to go someplace where he could start again.  Read more

February 19, 2012

The Story of the Button

What’s one of the biggest problems facing the world today? What does a brass button have to do with it? And what can we, as Unitarian Universalists, do to make a difference? Guest speaker and seminary student Jason Cook answers these questions in this sermon which incorporates experiences from his work as an HIV counselor. He will also be highlighting Dorothea Dix, a 19th century Unitarian champion for the outcasts and the suffering.

Sunday’s music will include Jason Cook’s husband Lawrence Ingalls playing harp and singing songs by Simon & Garfunkel and Boz Scaggs, and Beth Syverson will also play Simon & Garfunkel tunes on piano.

February 12, 2012

A Faith Worth Singing About

Join OCUUC in welcoming our special guest Rev. Jason Shelton, Associate Minister for Music at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashville, Tennessee.  You can bet there will be plenty of great Unitarian Universalist music!  Orange Coast Choir will be singing one of the anthems featured in Saturday night’s concert.

February 5, 2012

Linda Barnes: Champion of Change

January 29, 2012

Change Agents and Game Changers

This Sunday’s service we will continue the “change” theme for the month of January.  In this Sunday’s sermon Rev. Ed will tell the stories of some persons who initiated change to help the relationship systems they were a part of move toward greater health.  In this world filled with cynicism, chaos and destructiveness, there are many people – all largely outside the view of our media system – who are wonderful sources of inspiration who can give us real hope for our lives and the future.  Furthermore, we can see in their work similar patterns – regardless of the fact that they are trying to accomplish very different goals – which reveal what is required to create, sustain and complete change in any system.  Rev. Ed will discuss how these “secrets” of change are things we all can do – and that they are not just the province of “special” people. He looks forward to seeing you Sunday.

January 22, 2012

The Church As Change Agent

The theme for religious services in January is CHANGE. Last week we looked at how Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., brought about change through consistently applied principles that created and maintained change – which ended up literally changing society. Rev. Ed will develop this theme further in this Sunday’s sermon, entitled “The Church as Change Agent.”   He will be exploring the idea that one of the fundamental tasks of a religious community is to be an instrument and agent for social change. He will draw on the legacy of Rev. King and the ‘engaged Buddhist’ Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as others, to bear witness to this idea that a basic reason (but not the only reason) for a religious community’s existence is to bear witness to what we, as a community of faith, believe should be happening in the world in the struggle against injustice of any kind. He will also explore ways this could express itself in our own community. Rev. Ed looks forward to seeing you Sunday.

Our special guest artist will be Roy Zimmerman, known for his to-the-moment political satire, especially “Defenders of Marriage,” which he’ll sing for us on Sunday at both services.

January 15, 2012

Rev. Martin Luther King’s Legacy of Changing Social Systems

The theme of the religious services for the month of January is change. In a series of three sermons, I will explore the theme of change from a variety of perspectives.  This Sunday I will pay homage to Rev. Martin Luther King who was, among many other things, one of the greatest change agents of American society in the twentieth century.  My sermon is entitled “Rev. Martin Luther King’s Legacy of Changing Social Systems” and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

January is traditionally a month when people think about change – perhaps in the form of New Year’s resolutions or perhaps because a year has “ended” and a new year has “begun.” Additionally, OCUUC, as a church and an institution, is in a time of huge transition: a long and successful ministry has ended and not so long from now a new settled ministry will begin. The time in between – the time of an interim ministry – is a time of experimentation and exploration.  So it is fitting that January’s “theme of the month” be about change. I will explore this theme from a variety of perspectives in a series of three sermons this month January 15th, 22nd and 29th.

January 8, 2012

Holding Tight and Letting Go

Sunday, January 8, we are delighted that our speaker will be the Rev. Bets Wienecke. In keeping with the January theme of change, Rev. Wienecke will speak on the subject of “Holding Tight and Letting Go.” Rev. Wienecke comments: “Transitions in life offer challenges and choices:  Do we cling to what we know or do we venture forth into uncharted territory?”

Also, of great importance to the congregation, Rev. Wienecke, as part of her remarks, will outline the search process recommended by the UUA for securing the best minister for the next chapter in the life of Orange Coast UU Church. She will also be available to answer questions after the service.

Rev. Bets Wienecke is the Pacific Southwest District Ministerial Settlement Representative who advises and consults with this district’s UU congregations in the southern half of California, Nevada and Arizona about the ministerial search process.

January 1, 2012

New Year’s Day

Join us on Sunday, January 1st, 2012 at 10:00 am for one service with guest guitarist Joe Daigle! You won’t miss The Rose Parade, Pasadena doesn’t allow the parade to happen on a Sunday. Come spend your first morning of 2012 at OCUUC!

New Year Service Schedule:

Schedule for January:  One service: Sunday, January 1st at 10:00 am  Two services: Sunday, January 8th at 9:45 am and 11:15 am  Two services: Sunday, January 15th at 9:45 am and 11:15 am  Two services: Sunday, January 22nd at 9:45 am and 11:15 am  Two services: Sunday, January 29th at 9:45 am and 11:15 am

December 25, 2011

Christmas Day Musical Meditation

Join us on Sunday, December 25th at 10:00 am for a musical meditation service, the perfect antidote for the hectic holidays. This meditation will steer clear of Christmas songs, but its songs will draw from many different religious traditions.  This will be a casual service with no sermon. Children will participate in an activity in the Social Hall.

December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve Celebration

Join OCUUC in our annual tradition, the Christmas Eve Celebration on Saturday, December 24th:

• 6:30 pm – Social hour with a special appearance by Santa!
• 7:30 pm – Christmas Eve family service-  ”Would You Like to Hold the Baby?“ pageant, with children, youth, and grown-ups acting out the nativity story with lots of music.

December 18, 2011

Winter Solstice Singing Ritual

• Join us in the sanctuary for a special candlelight performance
  on Saturday, December 17th at 8:00 pm.
• We also will perform the ritual on Sunday, December 18th at 10:00 am
  as the church’s Sunday service.

Beautiful music, a meaningful story, and the inspiring message of spreading light to the world.

This unique ritual is different from everything else we do.  Celebrating the darkest day of the year and the beginning of light’s return to the world, we tell the myth of  Persephone’s descent into the underworld through narration, poetry, and song.

The service is powerful, meditative, and joyful.  Come and celebrate the return of light and life to our world!

A note from Rev. Ed:

This Sunday we will have the annual Pagan service at one service at 10 a.m.  Thus we will ‘round out’ our tour of three major world religions for this month, Buddhism, Christianity and Paganism.  For those interested, there will be follow up Adult Education courses for persons further interested in examining Buddhism and Christianity.  The series on early Christianity  (Genesis, A Living Conversation) will take place on Wednesdays beginning  Jan. 18th and will be led by our own Ken Small.  The series on Buddhism will take place in January and please keep your eye on the Adult Education web page for further details.  There was quite a bit of interest in both classes and we look forward to these interesting explorations.  I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

December 11, 2011

The Gifts of Christianity

The statement of the Unitarian Universalism seven principles includes the quote that Unitarian Universalists “draw from many sources” such as “Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life. “  In the month of December we will explore the “theme of the month” of world religions by looking at three major world religions: the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Buddhist tradition and the Pagan tradition. Last week I shared some reflections on Buddhism. I look forward to exploring the Judeo-Christian tradition this week.  The title of my sermon is “The Gifts of Christianity.” Mike Scott will hand out Shining Star awards.  I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

December 4, 2011

The Gifts of Buddhism

This Sunday the title of my sermon will be “The Gifts of Buddhism.”  Also, Rayna Hamre will provide a Story For All Ages and Laurel Adcock and Jason Cook are going to introduce the annual Guest At Your Table program to the congregation. The Orange Coast Choir will sing a Buddhism-inspired meditative song, and Summer Albayati-Krikeche will present an easy Buddhist chant that we can all learn. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

• May 20, 2012: Environmental Warriors - 9:45 am and 11:15 am
• Town Hall Meeting Sunday, May 20th.
• Share Our Selves (SOS) Mother's Day collection through May 20.
• All-Church Potluck on Sunday, May 20th: Mom's Home Cookin'
• Delegates are needed for General Assembly June 20-24 in Phoenix.
• May Recipient of Church Donations: OCUUC Finance Council
• Directions to OCUUC

1259 Victoria Street - Costa Mesa, CA 92627 - (949) 646-4652 Contact Us

OCUUC is a welcoming congregation

OCUUC is a member of the Pacific Southwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association